#jamal: senior

[gameofthunder66]

'Senior Skip Day' (2008) film

-watched 9/8/2023- 1 [1/2] stars- on Netflixdvd

[cher-rei]

love song ♬— chapter 3 [ J.M ]

pairing: jamal musiala x fem!oc

summary [please read]

genre(s): strangers to lovers, fluff, angst and football romance [love song playlist]

[w.c: 2.8k] masterlist

notes: heyyyyy, I managed to finish the chapter today!! surprise!! I hope you guys are enjoying it xxx

previous chapter | next chapter

the following day, as promised, the group of friends were headed on a little outing to congratulate the boys on their win. they burst into the bustling mall, laughter and chatter filling the air.

it started off well, conversation flowing easily between them just like it used to.

“spain is playing in berlin tonight,” noelle said in recollection and fixed the position of the the bag strap on her shoulder.

florian turned to look at her with his eyes widened, then hitting kai on the arm. “that lamine yamal kid? an absolute class player. we need to go and watch them play.”

from beside him aaliyah let out a scoff. “we actually have an england match to watch,” she let out a dazed sigh, “I need a picture with jude.”

florian’s smile immediately dropped, causing jamal to stifle a laugh from beside noelle. “we'll end up going anyway, let's just pray that they play each other at some stage to kill two birds with one stone.”

jamal looked to aaliyah with a quirked eyebrow. “you could've just asked me, I have connections with mr superstar.”

“no way,” noelle said in surprise. “I have connections with mr superstar's best friend.”

“you know trent?” he asked again, but she shook her head with a smile.

“close, I know his girlfriend. we went to high-school together.”

sophia perked up at your mention, knowing exactly who you were talking about. “I keep on forgetting that you went to high-school with jamie. what a small world we live in.”

“you know jamie?” jamal spat, disbelief spread all over his face and it made noelle furrow her brows, not sure what was so shocking. who didn't know her? “jamie carter? that jamie?”

when noelle nodded he couldn't help but chuckle in shock— the girl he had a thing for was friends with his childhood friend. “small world might be an understatement. we were in the chelsea academy together. major older sister energy, I'm still traumatised.”

the shared connection led to a comfortable conversation between the two strangers, their footsteps trailing behind the two couples ahead who were lost in their own world. noelle shared fond memories of the older girl to jamal, about how she took noelle under her wing for what ever reason.

it was one of those silly situations where the protectiveness of someone would ultimately end in a friendship between someone in year 11 and 9. so for those two years that jamie had left, she made sure to care for noelle as if she were her own.

“oh, she's so small!” jamie cooed at the newcomer, noelle immediately stopping in her tracks to see that she was the only year 9 who signed up for school newspaper.

“what's your name, angel?” jamie questioned and ushered her into the room, everyone lounging around the meeting table with her at the head.

noelle hesitated for a moment, her eyes scanning the faces of her seniors— jamie’s boisterous personality standing out. “noelle braun.”

“no way! kelly, remember when I said that I wanted to name my baby girl noelle?? i have it in my notes app.”

from that day onward, noelle couldn't recall a day where she wasn't sat with jamie at school studying in the library, asking for advice or watching the older girl join in on the football matches that took place at recess.

jamal listened intently as she spoke fondly of her, a warm hearted laugh leaving his lips. “yeah, that sounds exactly like her. toned down a bit, I reckon since she's older now.”

from ahead of them sophia couldn't help but look over her shoulder every so often to see the two wandering slowly, conversation being made despite noelle's timid personality. and that was the shocking part. she didn't like sharing too much about herself unless she was comfortable with someone.

her answers were always kept short and brief, a tight lipped smile following after to mimick her stiff behaviour. jamal was similar, but he knew how to carry a conversation with a bashful smile— which was exactly what he was doing now, his clammed hands stuffed into the pocket of his jeans.

this might be a lot easier than she thought.

as they stopped at a clothing store, sophia and kai drifted off somewhere, with aaliyah and florian heading in the opposite direction. the girls held on to thein boyfriend's for dear life, exchanging smitten looks and kisses every so often.

noelle and jamal exchanged a knowing glance.

“I think we're cramping their love fest,” he whispered and she nodded, her nose scrunching at the sight of kai tickling sophia.

she looked up to jamal. “coffee break?”

jamal couldn't stop the smile that drew to his lips, his heart fluttering for some reason as he stepped to the side and gestured for noelle to walk ahead. “it's like you're a genuis.”

without drawing attention, they slipped away from the group, leaving the affectionate couples to their shopping spree. eventually they settled into a cozy café, jamal taking the liberty to order their drinks as promised.

when their order got called up, he handed the latte to noelle with a playful smile. “my sincerest apologies once again, you'll be able to taste it in the coffee, I swear.”

a giggle left her lips as she took her seat at the back of the café, further away from everyone and he took a seat in front of her. “oh, really? what was the coffee made with exactly?” she asked jokingly, a playful smile on her lips.

“immense guilt and embarrassment,” he desdpanned, causing noelle to force down the laugh itching at her throat before they fell back into a peaceful atmosphere.

the conversation drifted from topic to topic, shared laughter floating in the air. “so what do you think they're going to do next?” jamal asked grinning, hinting at their friends that they left behind.

noelle pretended to think for a moment. “probably plan a joint wedding.”

his eyes widened in mock horror, the footballers reaction being her to laughter once more. “don't even joke about that.”

everything was going great to his surprise, and in no time his sweaty palms were the last thing on his mind. he was curious. curious about how noelle was, what she enjoyed and why she drank 4 mugs of coffee a day? he'd barely scraped the surface.

it came up naturally, his job and her life at university. and the fact that she was a psychology major made so much sense to him. “you fit the stereotype perfectly.”

noelle smiled, “and what’s that?”

the footballer leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he scanned noelle’s features and stature. not to be weird but he'd been observing her for quite some time, seeing as he didn't have the courage to actually talk to her. all those days in the coffee shop, ordering coffee only to give it to one of his teammates because he wasn't a huge indulger due to his diet.

“you like to keep to yourself, a natural observer.” noelle gasped, ready to plead her case but he cut her off. “yeah, don't act like I don't see the way that you look at people, you're psychoanalysing everyone you creep.”

“creep is a bit much,” she interjected, her hand covering her mouth in shock. accusations— correct accusations. nevertheless she gestured for him to carry on.

he hummed in thought. “your colour palette is very neutral, very cosy. autumn is definitely your favourite season,” he said that was so much certainty and noelle nodded along, a hum of confirmation leaving her lips.

“and you're an older sibling.” her lips parted slightly, shock evident. “I know that from experience, definitely a younger sister— teenager.”

noelle threw her head back with a groan, the mention of her younger sister giving her a splitting headache. “I hate 15 year olds. she's like a demon, sucking the life out of me.”

she didn't have the best relationship with her sister carmen. blame it on puberty, and the fact that carmen hated everything and everyone, meaning that noelle was privileged with the ‘evil older sister’ title for trying to help her— or doing anything really.

“ugh, can you just leave me alone?” carmen would yell, marching out of the living room with her blood boiling. “do you have nothing better to do than make my life difficult?”

the door slammed. all this just because noelle offered to help her with an assignment since she was struggling.

“so, what's your assignment about?” jamal asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. “sophia said you weren't too happy about it.”

with a bitter smile noelle took another sip of her latte, the warm liquid spreading through her chest. “I'm exploring the phenomenology of romantic love— how people experience and understand love.”

the genuine glint shimmered in jamal's eyes, his interest piquing although he could see that she was anything but pleased or excited about it. “that sounds interesting, and fun. how's it going so far?”

“well,” she sighed, her eyes drifting out the café window for a moment. “it's not going at all. I didn't start yet, but I'm getting there.” she smiled. “I hope…”

she went on to tell him about using sophia, kai, aaliyah and florian as he guinea pigs to which he was very pleased about. he let out an amused hum, nodding fondly at the idea. “you're about to get a phd with that thesis, they're your one way ticket to success.”

as they delved deeper into conversation, jamal discovered noelle's infectious laugh, her eagerness and passion for understanding human emotions, and her very subtle sense of humour. in turn, noelle, found jamal's kind heart, his genuine interest in her thoughts and his captivating smile.

the café’s background hum faded into the distance as they lost themselves until they finished their drinks, jamal's phone buzzed in his pocket, a stifled laugh leaving his lips at the message. “looks like the lovebirds are done shopping.”

noelle smiled, stretching her arms with a content sigh. “time to rejoin the flock. thanks for the coffee break by the way, I felt like I was having withdrawal symptoms.”

with a chuckle he held the door open for the smaller girl. “you seriously need to watch your caffeine intake.”

as the evening drew to close, the girls decided to head back to noelle’s apartment since it's where they'd be staying during their time in munich. watching her friends separate from their boyfriend's was a sight for sore eyes, her face displaying her distaste while simply giving jamala a polite wave.

the trio settled into noelle's cozy living room, surrounded by plush cushions and soft lighting. sophia poured wine into their glasses with a satisfied smile before plopping down next to her friends on the couch.

they went over the events of the day and how nice it was to be out with their partners again before they'd be pressed with the task of immense stress to soothe due to the tournament. with that, noelle naturally faded into the background as a listener, trying her best to understand their situations.

it was a task and a half to be there for their partners emotionally during times like this, and it was tough to imagine. but once again, it took a toll on each partner emotionally and mentally. [add to thesis outline]

“where did you sneak off to by the way?” aaliyah's voice snapped her out of her daze, a distant hum leaving her lips as she recollected her thoughts.

sophia and aaliyah eyed noelle with knowing looks. “you left us hanging, to hang out with jamal.”

noelle couldn't help the scoff that she let out, the accusation rather amusing. “first of all, you left me hanging.” she pointed to herself with a pointed expression, then shrugged. “and jamal owed me anyway. I got apology coffee.”

a gasp left sophia's lips and she straightened her posture. “your favourite.”

aaliyah shook her head and set her glass down on the coffee table then snuggled futher into the couch. “sorry that we left you like that. we know you aren't much of a talker, it was probably really awkward.”

“it actually wasn't,” noelle said softly, not thinking much of her answer yet the unfamiliar feeling in her stomach said otherwise.

with confused looks, her friends looked at her with intrigue and mild confusion because they knew that if noelle was put in a situation where she had to be with someone she didn't know, silence was her go to. they'd seen it first hand at parties and gatherings, she would literally sit or stand silently, her mind drifting elsewhere instead of engaging in small talk.

“yeah, it wasn't awkward. he’s actually really easy to talk to.”

sophia nodded slowly, a sly grin settling on her lips. “oh, really?” she turned to aaliyah who was more confused, not quite catching onto her friend's initial thought. “you know, he's not much of a talker either.”

it was aaliyah's turn to chime in. “he's got that whole charming thing down though. I seriously don't underatand how he doesn't have a girlfriend yet.” her tone was laced with something that only sophia caught onto, her smile deepening while noelle simply took in the information.

she shot her friends a quizzical look, surprised by the newfound information. initially she thought that he'd be tied down with someone, you know footballers and their antics. all that stereotypical stuff.

noelle''s expression read “noted”, earning proud glances from the two girls in front, silently scheming. it wasn't the first time that they'd be playing matchmaker with her. they tried whenever they encounter someone who seemed the slightest bit fit for their best friend. even if it were just for the experience.

but when sophia was sitting at home back in london a while ago, jamal had come back to visit for a few days with florian for kai. the two footballers were in her living room one day, waiting for kai to come back from pracrice when she overheard a conversation.

she didn't get the details but all she knew is that jamal had his eyes set on someone that he's never spoken to. it sounded funny at first until the person started sounding oddly familiar, but she pushed it to the side until later that evening again. once again they were on the topic of relationships, and kai was telling jamal to let loose a little.

he was reluctant of course. “you guys got lucky, okay. I can't do that, girlfriend’s don't sure show up out of nowhere.”

“unless…” florian trailed off, hinting at an idea that jamal immediately cut off. “you're too picky.”

sophia hit him on the arm for that comment, feeling sorry for the younger boy. “don't listen to him, he's stupid.” she took a seat on the armrest of the couch beside kai. “start off simple. what do you look for in a partner? maybe I know someone.” that was supposed to be a joke.

he was put on the spot, not having much of a criteria because he wasn't picky. “I don't know,” he sighed. “I just need someone to talk to I guess, someone gentle— I've had my fair share of brutal women in my life. this is going to sound weird but someone warm–”

“dude what does that even mean? you're asking for a pillow,” kai said with a judgemental look thay florian mimicked. of course that earned him another slap on the shoulder.

jamal rolled his eyes. “your girlfriends hate you in secret just so by the way.”

“as if,” florian scoffed and sunk deeper into the couch cushion while kai turned to look up at sophia with pleading eyes although she avoided his gaze, an awkward laugh leaving her lips.

“someone smarter than me,” jamal spoke up and sophia stopped for a moment. “that would be fun. ugh, I don't know,” he groaned in frustration and ran his palms over his face, flushed in embarrassment. “I just need somebody to love without worrying about them trying to steal my money!”

florian choked on his laughter. “okay, justin bieber calm down now.”

sophia on the other hand was on the verge of leaping up and smacking herself for being so damn blind. because she did in fact, know someone.

the only issue was that she was dealing with two very stubborn individuals, one of which hated the idea of romantic relationships as a whole. but there was a plan, there always had to be a plan, and it started with planting the idea into noelle's mind, a single seed of possibility that would eventually plague her mind if it was watered enough.

jamal was easy, he liked her but sophia wasn't sure how much that silent infatuation and intrigue would get her. of course it all needed to happen naturally, but she was more than happy to be the catalyst.

“he has a really cute smile by the way, not to be weird or anything,” noelle stated out of the blue, her friends nodding in agreement at the sudden proclamation, their silent exchange of high fives beneath the blanket giving them hope.

and the seed was planted.

[whatevergreen]

Stop Arming Israel

Yesterday (December 16) UK MPs debated petitions signed by over 100,000 people, calling for the immediate revocation of all arms export licences to Israel and 283,000 calling for the recognition of a Palestinian state, which were delivered before the general election

Since last October, at least 45,000 in Gaza have been murdered by Israel, in which Britain has been complicit through supplying arms.

In September, the Labour government eventually banned 30 out of 361 licences in a move labelled “tokenistic” by campaigners.

During the debate, Labour MP John McDonnell said: “I think history will judge us all for not doing enough to stop this.”

The former shadow chancellor said that while he was pleased that the petition is taking place “there’s a level of frustration now I don’t think we can contain any more.”

He asked: “Why isn’t democracy being exercised here to stop this?”

Mr McDonnell concluded: “I've had enough of coming back here every week, as you can tell chair, we need action now from this government.”

Among the exports excluded from Labour’s ban are components for F-35 war planes, which have been used to drop 2,000lb bombs on civilians in Gaza and are linked to a global supply programme.

Business and trade select committee chair Liam Byrne said: “Last week in front of my committee, the Defence Minister said it was technically possible to track these parts, but it was contractually impossible.

“Indeed, Lockheed Martin supplied me with a letter to say that if I want to know anything about the parts, I need to address our queries to the Department of Defence in the United States.“

He noted that the government admitted in the High Court in November that it continued to export the parts despite knowing there was a “clear risk” that they could be used by Israel to violate international humanitarian law.

“We now have the ICJ advisory, we have the ICC arrest warrants. We have the government’s own assessment,” Mr Byrne said.

“I cannot now see how this government can legally defend a position to keep these arms export licences open.”

Ahead of the debate, a cross-party of MPs including Independent Jeremy Corbyn, the Green Party’s Carla Denya, and Labour’s Diane Abbott held a banner reading “Stop Arming Israel” outside Parliament to show their support for a full arms embargo.

Palestine Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal said: “Opinion polls have shown that a majority of the public support the suspension of UK arms sales to Israel, because it is using them in a barbaric, unending assault on Palestinians in Gaza.

“We call on all MPs to speak up and ensure the government fulfils its obligations under international law, starting with a full arms embargo on Israel.”

Campaign Against Arms Trade media co-ordinator Emily Apple said: “Labour’s tokenistic suspension of some arms exports doesn’t go nearly far enough — but in particular its refusal to suspend the open licence for F-35 combat jet components makes this government just as complicit in Israel’s horrific war crimes as the previous Conservative government.

“Successive governments have prioritised arms dealers’ profits over Palestinian lives.

“This has to stop. This petition is an attempt to ensure the government does what it should have done in the first place — suspend all arms exports to Israel and uphold international humanitarian law.”

A spokesperson for Stop the War said: “It’s welcome that this petition is finally being debated, having been conveniently buried by the parliamentary system earlier this year, but given that just a fortnight after Labour won the election senior ministers warned that a total ban on arms sales to Israel would undermine US ‘confidence’ in the UK, the outcome is fairly predictable.

“While public opinion is loud and clear, this immoral government remains seemingly determined to ignore it.” Elizabeth Short Adapted from: https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/time-to-listen-labour-stop-arming-israel

Arms for Israel secretly shipped through UK airspace Exclusive: Over 50 tonnes of munitions have been flown to Israel over Britain since Gaza bombing began:

https://www.declassifieduk.org/arms-for-israel-secretly-shipped-through-uk-airspace/

[eretzyisrael]

by Hugh Fitzgerald

For some reason, the international media is entirely uninterested in reporting about how some Israeli Muslims — Arabs and Druze — have rallied to help defend their country against Hamas. Bassam Tawil has more on this subject here: “‘Like…wtf’: Israel’s Arab Citizens Feel Lucky,” by Bassam Tawil, Gatestone Institute, January 25, 2024:

IDF Sergeant First Class (reserve) Ahmed Abu Latif, 26, a husband and father to a one-year-old baby, was killed on January 22 during the fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Abu Latif, a Muslim citizen of Israel, embodied the spirit of unity and patriotism in Israel in the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 massacre of Israelis. He also represented a shining example of coexistence and unwavering love for Israel. In a message on Facebook at the beginning of the war, Abu Latif, who was working as a security guard at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, wrote:

Two days after the massacre, Israeli Arab blogger Nuseir Yassin, popularly known as “Nas Daily,” posted the following on X (formerly Twitter):

The atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 — among the victims were also some Israeli Arabs — have pushed some Israeli Arabs who previously self-identified as “Palestinian-Israelis” to instead identify more closely with the Jewish state, declaring themselves to be “Israeli Arabs” or, as in the case of this popular blogger, Nuseir Yassin, shedding the modifier altogether, and now call themselves “Israelis.”

The Hamas atrocities did not drive a wedge between Jewish and Arab Israelis, as Yahya Sinwar may have hoped. Instead, the events of October 7 led to greater identification by Israeli Arabs and Druze with the Jewish state. Three-quarters of Israeli Arabs reported having “good relations” with Jews; almost as many — 70% — identify with the Jewish state, and far from wishing for its disappearance, recognize how lucky they are to be citizens of the only decently run government in the Middle East.

In Israel, Arab soldiers, both Muslim and Druze, have been fighting against the Hamas terrorists; some have been killed in Gaza, defending the Jewish state. Others were killed in Israel by Hamas on October 7; some Arabs, especially Bedouin, were taken hostage on that day. Druze have a long history of joining the IDF; the highest-ranking IDF officer who has been killed in this war was a Druze, Lt. Col. Salman Habaka. Another Druze casualty was Major Jamal Abbas, whose father and grandfather had both served in the IDF. Another Druze who answered the call on October 7 was a woman, Nisreen Yousef, who immediately volunteered to interrogate captured Hamas terrorists to discover where others were hiding; she passed on the information to the IDF, that promptly located and captured them.

The stories of these Muslims who volunteered to defend the Jewish state, and some who died in that struggle, should be more widely known. They undermine all the stories about Israel as an “apartheid state,” where Muslims are supposedly oppressed. These Arab and Druze volunteers for the IDF know otherwise; they are fighting for what they know is “their” country.

The stories about the Israeli Arabs whose rise to the summit of their professions also fatally vitiate the claims that Israel is an “apartheid” state. These stories need to be told. There is Samer Haj Yehia, the Chairman of Israel’s largest bank, Bank Leumi. And Judge Khaled Kabub, who in 2022 became the first Muslim, though not the first Arab, Justice on Israel’s Supreme Court. Jewish and Arab physicians work side by side in Israeli hospitals. Arab and Druze women have risen high in the medical profession and in academia. Prof. Mouna Maroun, Vice President and Dean of Research at University of Haifa and the former Head of the Sagol Department of Neurobiology, is the first Arab woman to hold a senior faculty position in natural sciences. Another is Prof. Mona Khoury-Kassabri, who in 2021 been elected Vice President of Strategy and Diversity at the university. It was the first time that a member of the Arab community was appointed to a senior position of vice president. “I am deeply honored to be the first Arab to serve as a Hebrew University Vice President,” Khoury-Kassabri said. 43% of Israelis who have just become doctors are now Arabs and Druze, a staggering statistic, given that Arabs and Druze are only 20% of the population. Compare that fact with the way Palestinians in most Arab states are prohibited from practicing certain professions, including engineering, law, and medicine.

Perhaps someone in the media will devout a program, full of human interest, to the Arab and Druze in Israel, some of whom have given their lives for the Jewish state. Others were victims of Hamas terrorists on October 7. And the program should explain the fact — never mentioned in the mainstream media — that 70% of Israeli Arabs now say they identify with the Jewish state as their country too, a place where they receive equal treatment before the law and where it is possible for Arabs to rise high in Israeli society — in law, banking, and especially, medicine. That might startle some of those mindlessly chanting about “apartheid” Israel, if not to change their chant, at least to keep quiet.

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Bassam Tawil

In the West Bank city of Jenin, Jamal Hawil, a senior Fatah official, led a demonstration to denounce the killing of al-Arouri, whom he labeled as a "martyr."

Hawil also praised Hamas's October 7 massacre, in which the terrorist group more than 1,200 Israelis were murdered, more than 5,000 wounded, and more than 240 kidnapped and taken as hostages to the Gaza Strip.

He emphasized that al-Arouri had inspired the upsurge in anti-Israel terrorism activities in the West Bank:

"Saleh al-Arouri called on the Palestinian youths [in the West Bank] to resist with stones, Molotov cocktails, pistols, and explosive devices. Our armed factions will teach [Israel] a painful lesson."

It should come as no surprise that Abbas and other PA leaders have long been glorifying terrorists by calling them "martyrs" and "heroes." In 2021, Abbas called to console the families of two Palestinian terrorists who were killed while attacking Israelis. Abbas told the father of one of the terrorists:

"Allah will increase your reward over our martyr [Israa Khzaimiah], the Palestinian people's martyrs. Allah will let her dwell in Paradise, and certainly her place is in Paradise because she is a martyr of Palestine and Jerusalem. I always bow to our male and female heroes."

Since the brutal Hamas massacres of Israelis on October 7, the atrocities have been celebrated by at least 11 Palestinian schools, including eight run by the PA, according to the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se).

In one example, the Ya'abad Boys Secondary School (near Jenin) told parents that it would be closed on October 18 "out of respect for the pure blood of our martyrs. God punish the Jews and those who support them."

Similarly, the Adnan Zaki al-Safarini Boys High School in Tulkarm staged a demonstration on October 12 praising Hamas's massacre, with a video showing a male student's speech, entitled: "A day that will live forever in the history of the Arab Palestinian struggle... the day of al-Aqsa Flood [the name Hamas uses for its October 7 atrocities[."

[silicacid]

List of healthcare workers killed by Israel attacks on Gaza since October 7, 2023

Physicians:

Dr. Omar Ferwana, a Professor and former Dean of the Islamic University of Gaza Medical School and an andrologist, Gaza

Dr. Aya Ferwana (Dr Omar Ferwana’s daughter), a family medicine specialist, Gaza

Dr. Medhat Saidam, a senior burn and plastic surgeon, Shifa Hospital, Gaza and MSc in Burn Care alumnus from Queen Mary University of London

Dr. Mohammed Dabour, a consultant pathologist and dean of pre-clinical medicine at the Islamic University of Gaza Medical School

Dr. Tamer Al-Khayyat, an anesthesiologist and intensivist, European Gaza Hosptial, Rafah

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Khayyat, an internist in Rafah and Dr Tamer Al-Khayyat’s father

Dr. Razan Al-Rakhawi (Dr Tamer Al-Khayyat’s wife), an obstetric and gynecologist, Emirati Women’s Hospital, Rafah

Dr. Sereen Al-Attar a consultant obstetric and gynecologist at Nasser Hospital, Khan Younis and an Assistant Professor at the Islamic University of Gaza Medical school

Dr. Saeed Drabieh, a urology resident, Shifa Hospital

Dr. Mohammed Al-Samarai, Iraqi volunteer intern physician

Dr. Rafat Abou Foul, radiologist, Beit Hanoun Hospital

Dr. Amal Al-Maqadma, family medicine specialist, Rafah

Dr. Ibtihal Al-Astal, intern doctor, Khan Younis

Dr. Duaa Awad, emergency medicine doctor, Al-Aqsa Hospital

Dr. Moath Nabaheen, emergency medicine doctor, Al-Aqsa Hospital

Dr. Youssef Jadallah, intensivist and anesthesiologist (based in Germany, from Gaza but was visiting his family)

Dr. Inas Yousef, emergency medicine doctor, Al-Aqsa Hospital

Dr. Israa Al-Ashqar, anesthesiology resident, Shifa Hospital, Gaza

Dr. Abdallah Ashour, emergency medicine doctor, Nasser Hospital, Khan Younis

Dr. Hamam El-Deeb, orthopaedic surgery resident, Shifa Hospital, Gaza

Dr. Munther Abu Sariya, consultant pediatrician, Mohammed Al-Durra Pediatric Hospital

Dr. Doaa Shammout, pediatric resident, Rantisi Hospital, Gaza

Dr. Baraa Abu Elaish, intern doctor, Gaza

Dr. Abdlallah El-Helou, general practitioner/internal medicine doctor, Indonesian/Beit Hanoun Hospital

Dr. Muhannad Ezzo Afana, general practitioner, Gaza

Dr. Mohammed Refaat Mekki,

 

Dentists:

Dr. Ahmed Al-Hourani

Dr. Nada Mahdi

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Dali

Dr. Bilal Lubbad

Dr. Marwa Swelim

Dr Areej Eid

Dr. Tawfiq Al-Farra

Dr. Abdallah Baghdadi

Dr. Jameel Tarazi

Dr. Maysoon Al-Nuweiri

Dr. Mona Dughmush

Dr. Noha Dughmush

Dr. Mamoun Afana

Dr. Mohammed Afana

Dr. Anis Mekki

Dr. Tasneem Abdulnabi

 

Medical/dental students:

Bisan Halasa

Shaimaa Saydam

Abedelrahman Abu Shammala

Nour Al-Ashqar

Yaseen Al-Akhras

Osama Abu Safia

Duha Dughmush

Haneen Al-Shannat

Abdallah Abu Jayab

Zainab Azzam

Mohammed Abu Jiadan

 

Medical Scientists:

Prof. Salah El-Din Zanoun

Prof. Ahmed Al-Dalo

Prof. Ameed Mushtaha (Head of laboratories department and blood banks

Nurses:

Mohammed Lubbad  

Mohammed Al-Azzaiza  

Ahmed Moshtaha  

Rami Lubbad  

Somaya Temraz  

Mohammed Rafat Gomaa  

Osama A'eed Abu Safiya  

Saber Al-Nimnim  

Mohammed Hamad  

Mohammed Al-Baz  

Suleiman Abu Zour  

Badr Mohammed Abu Daqah  

Shaimaa Rayan (Midwife)

Maryam Abou Daher

Kefah San’allah

Walaa Adwan (Midwife)

Rawaa Al-Thalathini (Midwife)

Samah Rasheed (Midwife)

Rida Al-Masri (Midwife)

Ibrahim Abou Isaac

Amjad Abou Ouda

Ibrahim Al-Farra

Aya Al-Shrafi

Tamer Al Efesh

Momen Mansour

Asmaa Al-Asar

Feras Ftaiha

Diaa Bardaweel

Rana Shalaby

Itemad Miqdad

Zainab Al-Sharafi

Hamdan Malaka

Suheer Jbara

Hassan Al-Hennawi

Sabha Al-Sherafi

Azmi Al-Jamal

Yousef Al-Shareef

Hadeel Fanqa

Emad Esleem

Enas Al-Zeen

Heba Salamah

Nuha Esleem

Amro Masoud

Hanya Qudaih

Mohammed Al-Moqayyed

Ali Nasrallah

Tariq Abu Obaid (cardiac perfusion specialist)

Ahmed Al-Nuweiri

Abdulrahman Shaheen (Ziada) 

Ahmed Mahmoud Alrann

Dr. Yahya Abduljawad Juda (Public Health, nurse) 

Haytham Tawfiq Alnabih 

Loai Alzuhairi (Nursing student) 

Saleem Abu Zour

Waleed ElMahalawi

Rola Althalathini (Midwife)

Duaa Ashour

Amer Elramlawi

Safa Zeino

Saja Doghmosh

Moayad Ezzo Afana

Ramadan Doghmosh

Moemen Arab (Nursing student)

Oun Nofal Ashour (Nursing student)

 

Paramedics (EMS providers):

Marwan Abou Raida

Hatem Awad

Khalil Al-Sharif

Ahmed Al-Dahman

Yousri Al-Masri

Ahmed Abdel Rahman

Mohammed Al-Ghaliz

Mohammed Ali

Iyad Salim

Abdelrahim Abou Baid

Alaa Abou Ghanima

Naji Al Fayoumi

Mohammed Qateet

Tareq Ashour

Mahmoud Abou Mashayekh

Nafeth Al-Natour

Mahmoud Othman

Mohammed ElOmour

Ibrahim Matar

Yasser Alnaseri

 

Physiotherapists:

Ahmed Al-Masri

Ahmed Sameh Abou Herbeed

Shaimaa Sbaih

Mayar Al-Wahidi

Ahmed Ashraf

Shahrazad Al-Akhras

Nour Ibrahim

 

Pharmacists:

Ahmed Al-Jerjawi

Aziz Elfarra

Afnan Al-Astal

Shereen Abou Jazar

Eman Abu Al-Jalil

Safaa Hasouna

Ibraheem Meqdad

Mohammed Ali

Maysaa Khader

Nisreen Al-Dammagh

Sally Al-Aydi (Pharmacy student at AlAzhar University)

Mohammed Al-Shannat

Lina Abu Mualaileq

Noor Ibean

Haneen Albasyouni

Amira Dahman

Rawand Albanna

Khaled Abu Ma’ala

Amal Mekki

Abdullah Altartori (Pharmacy student at AlAzhar University)

Asmaa Abu Salah (Pharmacy student at AlAzhar University)

Mohammad Alshami

 

Lab technicians/clinical microbiologists:

Natheer Shaban

Asmaa Hijazi

Rawan Yassin

Alia Al Hinnawi

Maryam Kabaja

Nahid Abdullatef

Mohammed Abu Karsh

Mohammed Shabaan

Riham Elkahlout

Ismail Sharaf

Taiseer Alghouti

Abdulmohsin Abu Alrous

Duaa Jad Allah  

Optometrists:

Omar Khorsheed

[armoricaroyalty]

5 royal simblrs I love

There are, of course, WAY more than 5 amazing royal simblrs out there, but I wanted to take a moment to shout out just a few people in my community!

@nexility-sims: the most unique royal simblr on the block

N. is, of course, a very dear friend of mine and I MAY be accused of bios in the matter, but her story is simply the best one out there. In a community prone to retreading the same material over and over again, she is doing something wholly different and wholly original by choosing to focus on a non-western, non-European culture. She's an incredibly engaging writer and the only person whose world-building posts I come back to and read again and again. She puts an incredible level of care into everything she does, and I am so PROUD to be her friend and coexist in the same creative spaces with her.

@funkyllama: colorful, creative sims

One thing I love about Gracie's story is the way that she steps outside of the narrow Royal Simblr box. Her characters (my beloved Elle especially!) have unique, quirky styles and dress in fabulous colors and patterns that you just don't see much of on Simblr. She's coming to the end of one story and beginning to gear up for the sequel, so now is a good time to jump in and start reading.

@wessexroyalfamily: complex family drama, just getting into gear

This is a relatively new story, but it already has a fully formed setting with lots of complex family drama. This story is full of great little world-building details and narrative flourishes, and shit is really starting to pop off. Now is your chance to get in on the ground floor and start reading a wonderful story before it gets huge, so you can say you were there way back when.

@housekonig: thoughtful, fascinating royal intrigue

I know firsthand just how much effort and thought Jamal puts into every single one of his posts. His builds are amazing and all of his posts are so polished and full of great details. He's got more passion for worldbuilding in his little finger than I do in my entire body and his posts definitely reflect that effort and attention to detail!

@the-lancasters: the most royal royal story out there

Jennifer's story has been one of my favorites for a long time, simply because she includes so many little details about the working lives of senior royals that a lot of stories (mine included!) gloss over. She has a deep knowledge of how royal families actually function and works that knowledge into her story. My favorite arc in her story (other than her current one, which happens to feature one of my characters in a starring role!) is definitely Marcus and Sarah's romance, which turns the royal setting on its head and focuses almost entirely on the private secretaries instead of the royals themselves.

[diemannschaftblr]

@/iMiaSanMia: Nagelsmann on whether he spoke to former Germany coaches who have tournament experience: "I actually spoke to several coaches, with Jürgen Klinsmann, with Hansi, with Jogi Löw, of course with Rudi, all of those who have already experienced tournaments. But there is no blueprint. The answers were very similar, you have to listen to your gut feeling. You have to react to the here and now. But you also have to have your own experiences. The message from everyone, including national team coaches from other sports: You have to believe in yourself, listen to your gut feeling and go your own way. You have to enjoy it too, we don't want to let ourselves be paralyzed by any kind of pressure. We have to enjoy the moment."

- Nagelsmann: On Thursday, the team will have an event with the Special Operations Command, where the aim is to find a team that has to function absolutely perfectly, that has to have solutions in all situations, that support each other. That is at the forefront when it comes to communication. No mistakes can be made. It's a bit different in football. Nevertheless, I think there are a lot of elements that these men and women can teach us. What it means to communicate perfectly, to protect each other, to be there for each other in tricky situations, when things aren't going so well. To always keep a cool head. To find solutions. I think it will be very, very interesting. I won't be there myself. It's for the players. I'm excited to hear what the team says afterwards.

- on whether Goretzka could still be called up in case of injuries: Nothing is completely ruled out for any player. Of course we would like to have the squad that we nominated in the tournament. I don't want to give anyone false hopes. We hope nobody gets injured. But nothing is ruled out.

- on Thomas Müller: His role is clear, he will get some playing time, even if not always from the start. He introduced Aleks Pavlović [to the DFB staff] which says a lot about him. He's simply a connecting link. He is who he is, and that's a good thing.

- on the injuries: Raum, Leroy, Pavlo and Jamal won't train at 100% this week. We'll try to integrate them partially Wednesday or Thursday. We have to be careful not to go from 0 to 100. They'll take it easy now and hopefully be involved in full training on Friday.

- on the players' focus after the season with their clubs: In the end, the tournament outshines everything, everyone has the same goal, no matter how their season went. I demand everyone to give everything in training, but at the beginning it will be a bit more relaxed. There's no need for many discussions. Everyone will be fully focused. The Euros is the start of the new season, everyone is really looking forward to it. Everyone is excited. When you lose a CL final, it hurts, but you can quickly refocus to have a great tournament.

- on the players who haven't joined yet: The Leverkusen players and Ilkay Gündogan will join us on Wednesday and start training on Thursday. Marc-André ter Stegen will join on Monday. The CL finalists will join on Tuesday next week. We have spoken to all four of them. It's important that all of them are injury-free. From Tuesday onwards we will have a full squad.

- on Reitz and Gruda, who will train with the senior team: Gruda is extremely creative in the final third, a very fine footballer. I'm very excited to see him in training. I hope he has the necessary self-confidence with us. Reitz has had a very good season, is very hard-working. He tries to initiate a lot of attacks. They're here just for training for now, but there's also a chance [to be in the squad], something can always happen. It's a sign for them that they were called up for training.

- on Manuel Neuer's illness: Nothing dramatic. Just a mild gastrointestinal infection. He won't be here before Wednesday, I expect him to join on Thursday. If he's healthy, he will be #1 (at the Euros).

[brian-in-finance]

Ed Sheeran and Caitriona Balfe lead the line-up for this week's Late Late Show

Ed Sheeran is joined by Caitriona Balfe and Philly McMahon as the star guests of this week's Late Late Show.

It's the final month with presenter Ryan Tubridy at the helm of the show. After 14 years in the hot seat, the Dubliner turns his attention to other projects.

On the release day of his latest album Subtract, UK superstar Ed Sheeran joins Ryan for an exclusive chat where the star opens up about the death of his late friend Jamal Edwards and his tough 2022 when wife Cherry was diagnosed with cancer.

Ed Sheeran will chat to Ryan about the highs and lows of 2022, where he lost his best pal Jamal Edwards, and his wife Cherry was diagnosed with cancer. Pic: JMEnternational/Getty Images

Ed will also discuss the Irish influences on his music career and life, and as well as an acoustic performance of his hit single Perfect, the singer also has a surprise for Ryan which leaves him speechless.

Outlander star and Monaghan native Caitriona Balfe will be in the studio to chat about the enduring success of the Prime Series which is now in its seventh season.

The 43-year-old will detail how she missed the infamous Oscars slap from 2021 when she attended the awards for her hit movie Belfast.

The stars of the new RTÉ One show Gaelic in the Joy will also pop in for a chat about the upcoming TV show which airs on May 17 on RTÉ One.

Outlander star and Monaghan native Caitriona Balfe will be in the studio to chat about the enduring success of the Prime Series which is now in its seventh season. Pic: Stuart Wallace/REX/Shutterstock

Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon, comic Rory O'Connor (Rory Stories) and Mountjoy Prison governor Edward Mullins will discuss how they took a group of prisoners participating in a rehabilitation programme and prepared them for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play at Croke Park.

Five models will showcase the amazing designs of some of the youngsters who are competing in Junk Kouture, the largest sustainable fashion competition in the world.

The winning designs selected by a panel of judges will compete against 50 other teams from Abu Dhabi, London, Paris, Milan and New York to become the second-ever World Designer of the Year.

It's the final month with presenter Ryan Tubridy at the helm of the show. After 14 years in the hot seat the Dubliner turns his attention to other projects. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

Celebrations are in store also, as Ryan chats to former players in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Ireland Women's National Team.

The women will discuss the dedication and determination it took for them to become the first women to represent the country at senior level.

Music and entertainment will be provided by singer Rachel Mae Hannon who sings her new song The Boys for her debut on the show.

The Late Late Show airs at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

Extra

Brian’s Note: episode airs Friday, 5 May 2023, 9:35 p.m. GMT+1

Remember when she appeared on The Late Late Show two sleeps before the 2023 IFTA Awards?

[lboogie1906]

Donovan Jamal McNabb (November 25, 1976) is a former football quarterback who played 13 seasons in the NFL primarily for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football for the Syracuse Orange and was selected second overall in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Eagles, where he spent 11 seasons. He spent a year with the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 2013.

He led the team to eight playoff appearances (including five consecutive (2000-04), five division titles (including four consecutive (2001-04), five NFC Championship Games (four consecutive 2001-04), and one Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XXXIX. He ranks eighth in quarterback rushing yards and was the fourth NFL quarterback to amass over 30,000 passing yards, 200 touchdown passes, 3,000 rushing yards, and 20 rushing touchdowns. He is the Eagles’ franchise leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, attempts, and completions.

He was born and raised in Chicago. He attended Mount Carmel High School, which won the 1991 State Championship. As a senior, he led the team to a Chicago Prep Bowl championship. He excelled at track and field and played basketball.

He married his college sweetheart, Raquel Ann Sarah “Roxie” Nurse (2003). They have four children.

He who holds a BS in Speech Communication from Syracuse University, was named to the institution’s board of trustees. He is an athlete partner and serves on the advisory board for MODe Sports Nutrition. He played basketball at Syracuse University as a reserve guard.

He started the Donovan McNabb Fund to raise awareness about diabetes. The charity has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for diabetes awareness. Raquel co-founded the Caris Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization to help provide financial aid for disadvantaged youth to participate in athletics. He serves as a spokesperson for the foundation. He co-founded The QB Legacy, a nonprofit group to provides mentoring and coaching to young quarterbacks in underserved communities. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[ukrfeminism]

Three female MPs have been given taxpayer-funded bodyguards and cars as concerns over politicians’ safety are escalating.

The women – who have not been named but include representatives of the Conservative and Labour parties – have had their security upgraded as MPs are said to be “petrified” at the abuse they are facing.

In an overhaul of safety measures in place for MPs, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat has been working with the Home Office, the police and the parliamentary authorities, as well as the royal and VIP executive committee (Ravec), a secretive organisation responsible for the security of senior politicians and the royal family.

The new process, launched following a referral by police or parliamentary authorities, comes as the threat level faced by British politicians has shot up in recent weeks.

A senior security source told The Sunday Times: “Many MPs are petrified by the abuse they are facing.”

The newspaper understands the three female MPs have been given close protection from private companies, as well as chauffeur-driven cars, which are usually only limited to senior members of the cabinet and the leader of the opposition.

“We’ve taken a front-footed approach to co-ordinating action against the people or suspects that intelligence suggests most threaten MPs,” said a senior Whitehall source.

Other MPs’ security is also under review if they are deemed at risk, while, for those not needing the highest level of protection, thousands of security measures have been put in place in London and at hundreds of constituency offices and homes. 

Private security operatives have been used at thousands of members’ surgeries and hundreds of events, alongside a police presence if required. MPs also have access to security advice, including via advisers based throughout the UK.

Ravec’s membership and decisions are mostly opaque, although insiders do say it has a budget of hundreds of millions of pounds.

It comes after the Palestine Solidarity Campaign defended the right to lobby MPs “in large numbers”, amid reports the group wanted so many protesters to turn up that Parliament would “have to lock the doors”.

The group said the issue of MPs’ security was “serious” but should not be used to “shield MPs from democratic accountability”.

The organisation’s director Ben Jamal said thousands of people were “shamefully” denied entry into Parliament on Wednesday as they attempted to lobby MPs to vote in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza in what he described was one of the largest physical lobbies of parliament in history.

The Times reported that Mr Jamal told a crowd of demonstrators in the build-up to the protest on Wednesday: “We want so many of you to come that they will have to lock the doors of Parliament itself.”

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons Speaker who has faced calls to resign after going against convention during the SNP’s Opposition Day debate on a ceasefire, said his motivation for widening Wednesday’s discussion was fuelled by concern about MPs’ security because of intimidation suffered by some parliamentarians.

Mr Jamal said the group “does not call” for protests outside MPs’ homes and believed parliamentarians have a right “to have their privacy respected”.

The government’s political violence tsar has said police should have the powers to “disperse” protests around Parliament, MPs’ offices and council chambers that they deem to be threatening.

Baron Walney, the Government’s adviser on political violence and disruption, said on Friday that the “aggressive intimidation of MPs” by “mobs” was being mistaken for an “expression of democracy”.

The crossbench peer, who in December submitted a Government-commissioned review into how actions by political groups can “cross into criminality and disruption to people’s lives”, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he was calling for police forces to act “uniformly in stopping” protest outside MPs’ homes.

[reachartwork]

Chum 92: Auditioning

"I mean… we all knew this day was coming sooner or later, didn't we?" I venture after a heartbeat's pause, keeping my tone deliberately light and casual. "We can't exactly stay Young Defenders forever, can we?"

"You make it sound so easy, High School Freshman," Playback quips after a couple of seconds of rotting silence.

My attempt at levity falls flat, the words seeming to hang in the air like a damp towel draped over the room. Blink worries at her lower lip, fidgeting in her seat, while Gossamer's expression takes on a pensive, almost troubled cast. Crossroads simply watches us impassively, hands steepled before him in an unspoken plea for composure.

"I suppose you're right," Puppeteer murmurs after a long moment, her soft lilt slicing through the tension like a keen-edged knife. "We all knew from the beginning that the Young Defenders were intended as little more than a stepping stone, an interim phase for newly activated metahumans to refine their abilities and gain experience under supervision." She inclines her head towards Crossroads, seeming to defer to his leadership in that unspoken way of hers. "The only question that remains is… who , precisely, will be making that transition to the senior teams come graduation. Is this going to be a competition for one spot?"

A fresh murmur of hushed conversation ripples through our little cluster at that, speculation and apprehension alike swirling through the suddenly charged air. Puppeteer's gaze sweeps across the assembled teammates, her dark eyes glittering with hints of unspoken intent.

Jamal rubs his chin. "It depends. We have to see what other metahuman resources will be available for us to make up the gaps left by Franklin and Belle."

Beside her, Blink shifts anxiously from foot to foot, fingers worrying at the hem of her costume. "But… that would mean the team's going to get split up, right?" Her cheeks are pinched with naked apprehension. "Because whoever gets picked is going to have to leave and join the Defenders full-time?"

[theivorybilledwoodpecker]

But the difference between grudging and enthusiastic support could be significant. Asked whether the war in the Middle East could threaten Biden’s chances in November, the Rev. Jamal Bryant, the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, said, “I think Biden threatens his own success.” Democrats, Bryant observed, have seemed to be “almost on cruise control and feel like: Oh, the Black people will come around. They’ll be forgiving, and they’ll go along with us.” But, he added, as the war drags on, “I really think that the ante is going to really elevate itself.”

[thommi-tomate]

Interview with Josip

By:FCB

Servus, Josip! You're currently in Tokyo on the Audi Summer Tour. What impressions have you already been able to gather?

It's the first time I've been to Asia, so it's very special. Tokyo is incredibly impressive. You immediately notice how clean the city is - and the people here are very polite. I was walking around the city with Leroy and Jamal on Thursday afternoon. People kept recognising us, greeting us and wanting to take selfies. Everyone was super friendly. To be able to experience the culture here like this is very nice

Is there anything you're particularly looking forward to in the coming days?

After the game against Manchester City, I'm also very excited about the upcoming games. The Liverpool match will be a very good comparison for us. In general, we want to take the next steps here in preparation for the new season. I'm also really looking forward to Singapore. That will certainly be another new experience

You're the only native of Munich in the senior squad - what does it mean to you to play for FC Bayern?

For me, it's the fulfilment of a childhood dream. I've been a Bayern fan ever since I can remember - my father's influence on me (smiles). The fact that I've made it here is a huge thing and certainly wasn't always necessarily foreseeable

As you allude to, your career path has been a somewhat unconventional one. You played for Fürstenfeldbruck until just before your 17th birthday. Did you still dream of a career as a professional footballer back then?

The dream is always alive, of course. In my youth, there were a few times when I thought about going to FC Bayern. At first, however, I stayed at TSV 1860 because I thought I had more of a chance of making it there. Then, in the U15s, I was lagging behind a bit physically, and when it was clear that I wasn't going to stay at 1860, I went to Fürstenfeldbruck because my best mate played there. I just wanted to play football, but I never stopped believing in it

Then the move to FC Bayern happened after all...

In the U17s we played against Unterhaching with Fürstenfeldbruck, and I scored a goal and delivered an assist in a 2-2 draw. After that, I was invited to try out for Bayern - I was overjoyed. After two or three months of training with the team, the transfer worked out

You then established yourself in the FCB youth team. Is there a moment you look back on with particular fondness?

One special moment was of course the third division championship with the reserves. Nobody expected that and it was something very special. All that experience in the third division helped me a lot in my development.

Your professional debut, your first championship, your first competitive goal - a lot has happened in the past two years...

Two years ago, I would never have thought I would experience so much in this amount of time. Of course, there are always ups and downs, including some injuries I suffered. But all in all, the past few years have been extremely positive. I also played my first few games for the Croatian national team. A few months previously, I would never have dreamt that I would play for the national team, because at that time I was still playing for the reserves.

How did you find out about your first call-up to the national team?

When I took the call from the Croatian football federation, I was in the car with my parents and my sister. My mobile phone was connected to the car and everyone was able to listen in. They told me that I would be invited to play for the senior national team. I was perplexed at first, then I looked to my right. My parents started crying, my sister was crying - it was a very emotional moment and I was very happy my family were able to experience it first-hand with me

What role has your family played in your career?

They brought me to where I am now. My parents took on all sorts of hardships. My mother, no matter what happened, was always there for me and took care of everything. My father has always really pushed me. They've had a huge impact on me

At the World Cup last winter, you reached the semi-finals with Croatia - what did you take away from the tournament?

It was a huge experience. To come third with a small country like Croatia is just amazing. I've experienced an enormous amount of positive things in the past two years, many things I would never have dreamed of in my life

Many of your contemporaries particularly appreciate that you're hard-working. How would you characterise yourself?

Hard-working and ambitious is a good description. Of course I'm happy when others see it that way too. You can't make it in professional football without these two components, unless you're a huge talent. That wasn't necessarily the case with me and that's why I had to utilise other attributes

You're heading into your third season as a professional footballer with FC Bayern. What have you set yourself?

We want to win titles. In the past few years, the way we've been knocked out of the DFB Cup and the Champions League has always been extremely annoying. Personally, I want to stay injury-free. It's important, especially in my position, that if someone drops out, I'm ready to take my chance. My goal is to play as many games as possible. I know there's a lot of competition at Bayern. That's why you should never take it for granted when you play. I'm going in with the mindset that I'm ready when the coach needs me and that I'll make it as difficult as possible for him to do without me

[abcnewspr]

HIGHLIGHTS FOR ABC NEWS’ ‘GMA3: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW,’ DEC. 25-29

The following report highlights the programming of ABC’s “GMA3: What You Need to Know” during the week of Dec. 25-29. “GMA3: What You Need to Know” is a one-hour program co-anchored by Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan, with Dr. Jennifer Ashton as chief health and medical correspondent. The news program airs weekdays at 1:00 p.m. EST | 12:00 p.m. CST on ABC, and 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST on ABC News Live.

Highlights of the week include the following:

Monday, Dec. 25 — Broadway Brings the Holidays to “GMA3”; Broadway performer Alyssa Fox (“Wicked”); Broadway performer Sonya Balsara (“Aladdin”); Broadway performer Vincent Jamal Hooper (“The Lion King”); Broadway performer Alex Nicholson (“Hamilton”); a performance by Shoshana Bean; a performance by Tyler Hardwick

Tuesday, Dec. 26 — Battle of the Holiday Leftovers Volume II Show featuring chefs Kardea Brown, Jordan Andino, Anne Burrell and judged by celebrity chef Josh Capon, TV personality Kevin O’Leary and “GMA3” contributor Rocsi Diaz

Wednesday, Dec. 27 — Young Voters Show; ABC News political director Rick Klein on election poll numbers one year out; North Carolina Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton and Alabama Republican Party chair John Wahl; ABC News multiplatform reporter Elizabeth Schulze on student loan debt; ABC News senior congressional correspondent Rachel Scott

Thursday, Dec. 28 — “GMA3”’s Favorite RecipesShow; chef and cookbook author Eric Ripert (“Seafood Simple”); Agostino Fresh Mozz Co. co-owners Anthony Agostino and Giacomo Cunsolo; chef and cookbook author Chris Valdes (“One with the Kitchen”); lobster restaurant owners Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac; celebrity chef Josh Capon; TV host and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich (“Lidia’s From Our Family Table to Yours”)

Friday, Dec. 29 — “GMA3” Behind the Music with artists Missy Elliot, Jason Mraz, Darius Rucker, Kim Petras and others

ABC Media Relations Brooks Lancaster brooks.lancaster@abc.com

Jordan Littlejohn jordan.littlejohn@abc.com

-- ABC --